[newman263]

LR = “The Lord’s Recovery” (A denominational name)

1. On the Nature of God and Humanity:

This open-letter (in 2007 by 70 or so theologians) pointed out Witness Lee’s words (quoted verbatim), which they identify are examples of contradictions to the essential doctrines of the Protestant/ evangelical Christian faith. In the letter they refrained from any point-by-point argument, thus keeping it pretty concise. They presumed either, that their general readers will quickly agree that these wordings are errors (or even heresy) based upon their knowledge of common essential doctrines, and / or that this accusation would guilt-trip LR leaders to respond to defend this particular theology or to disavow some or all of it. My take: Over the centuries, every denomination, especially when newly established, have been similarly attacked by existing established denominations; and the theological battles go on until the zealous ones tire out. The list of quoted writings of WL are sufficient in themselves to warn the knowledgeable Christian world, or to inspire the less knowledgeable, or the Bereans-like ones, to study them further. Suffice to say it is quite unnecessary (if not somewhat self-serving) to expect any authority representing either side of the opposing parties to feel obliged to act on or react to this letter further. (But, Why care?)

2. On the Legitimacy of Evangelical Churches:

This history is deplorable, but historically most denominations do criticize, and / or, worse, despise, other denominations which are new, old or different, from them, in theology, in church liturgical practices, and whenever church scandals happen. Their attack rhetoric usually mellows out as they become a more established denomination. Common sense says no denomination would ever say or acknowledge they are not the true church, and they all say they base their theology on the Word of God only. The LR denomination Is no different. My take: Criticize LR, then ignore / treat them as heretics and/or a cult, like we all already treat the JWs and Mormons. (But, Why care?)

3. On Lawsuits with Evangelical Christians:

Litigation by an institution, or litigation against another institution, is allowed by the laws of most lands. A church institution, as registered with the government, is not a converted “Christian” per se, nor is it born-again, regenerated, saved, have eternal life, nor going to heaven. The officers of that church institution (e.g. the LSM) make the decision to sue (or not) in secular court on behalf of the whole denomination, and on the flip side, the decision to defend the institution, or settle out of court, when being sued / taken to court. My take: Officials of all institutional churches themselves (like officials of secular institutions) in their capacity / position are often torn between protecting (the reputation / survival of) the institution they represent and maintaining their own clear conscience. They know they have to answer to their constituents in this age, and will have to answer to the Lord in the next age. (But, Why care?)

4. On Does Anyone Still Care (about the LR - its past, and its future):

I do care very much about members who were hurt so much, thus “obliged” (by choice or not) to leaving the LR, or to miserably staying put. This care of mine extends to members of any denomination for similar situations. This “Does Anyone Still Care” question invites answers on this LC Discussions platform concerning two aspects that matters most: the Past and the Future: 1. To vindicate past hurts and sufferings due to various crude offenses (summarized so well in Joanne Casteel’s open letter.) 2. To bless or curse LR’s future.

My take: To “vindicate past hurts” is very important, and the LC Discussions website has fulfilled that role very well. So here, let me focus on LR’s future:
So, First of all: Why care or harbor any hope at all about LR’s future? In case you do care:
A) Have you been so hurt already as to be beyond possibility of recovery and reconciliation with this group?
B) Have you tasted, and therefore do you miss, the former glory days of the church life and its meetings (prior to “back when the LR changed its nature”), so much so that you hope LR would recover to those days?
C) Is it your intention to bless it unto glory again, OR to curse it unto divisions / extinction?
D) Are you happy and content with searching for / attending / joining / serving the Lord in another Christian group, knowing that ultimately (as you matured over the years) you really want to follow, serve, and please Christ only, and not really to please the human leaders of any group, no matter how charismatic?
E) Do you agree that your previous spiritual edifications and experiences in the LR, from both positive and negative aspects, have already made you a very valuable spiritual member and contributor to any group you choose to join?